A Few Words on Infant Feeding

Breastfeeding

We encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies. We have developed our staff and breastfeeding support services to work in harmony with the American Academy of Pediatrics revised Policy Statement (February 2005), “Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.” Our goal is to help our community understand the importance of breastfeeding and to serve as a support team and resource to any new mother choosing to breastfeed.

Why Breastfeeding is Best for Your Baby

Breast milk is the perfect food for the human baby the first year of life.

Breast milk is easy for the baby to digest.

Breast milk is full of substances that offer infection protection to the newborn.

Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections.

Breastfed babies have a lower rate of childhood leukemia.

Breastfed babies have a lower rate of diabetes.

Why Breastfeeding is Healthier for Moms

Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of osteoporosis.

Women who breastfeed have a lower rate of breast cancer.

Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.

Breastfeeding is easy: there is no formula to mix and no bottles to fix.

Breastfeeding saves money. (Formula for 1year = $1,200 - $,2400)

Breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract after baby is born.

Southeast Georgia Health System has many resources to help you breastfeed. Please ask your nurse or childbirth instructor about them.

Formula Feeding

We realize that not all mothers will choose to breastfeed or will not breastfeed for the entire first year of life. For formula feeding mothers, we encourage you to talk with your baby’s doctor about choosing the right formula. Also, we want you to remember:

Formula comes as powder, concentrated or ready-to-feed.

Powdered formula is the least expensive; ready-to-feed the most expensive.